Diana Clement

Is everything you do with your money logical? Don’t fool yourself. Human brains were designed for fight or flight. There’s emerging research showing that even the smartest humans make stupid financial mistakes thanks to our prehistoric brains. Neuro-economists have found longs lists of “cognitive biases” behind why our financial decisions are so flawed. They’ve found that both amateur and professional investors alike are tripped up by inadequate evolution. So when you next fall into the needs versus wants trap, borrow…

Need a new kitchen? Fancy that round the world trip? Just whack it on the mortgage. In 21st century Australia we extend the mortgage every time we have a bit of ‘spare equity’ built up. It’s like we’ve inverted the whole concept of borrowing and the aim of paying it off has disappeared out the window. If you don’t pay that mortgage down as you would other debt, you could be forced to work until you drop just to pay the…

Are you swimming in debt? Or even drowning? You’re not alone, heaps of Aussies have that same feeling they are sinking financially. Debt has its uses and can be used to spread out large or unforeseen expenses. Being in debt all the time, however, isn’t okay and you need to use credit, not let it use you. But there is a way out. Debt can be whittled away one dollar at a time if you start today. So what is “too much…

Debt’s bad, right? No, it’s good. Okay, okay. It depends on the situation. Debt’s good if it has a positive effect on your financial future. It’s bad if you’re buying unnecessary stuff and falling behind financially. Good debt Debt can be an investment. But before you tell your mates you’ve ‘invested’ in a new surfboard or the best winter coat ever, read on. Good debt is something that you will make money from. Here’s how: 1. Home loans Homes go…

Big mortgages are daunting. Many Aussies pay almost as much in interest than the entire value of their home. The faster you can say “goodbye, mortgage”, the less your bank will make out of you and the more money will stay in your pocket. Try these clever hacks to cut the amount the bank makes off your mortgage. Better to keep that dosh in your back pocket than pay it to the bank. Hack 1 Make fortnightly payments If you cut the…

You don’t get much in this life unless you ask. That’s definitely the case with your bank, your insurance company and utility companies. There’s a lot of money to be made there. And if we’re lazy, companies can maximise their profits. Don’t let that be you. By playing hard to get, or by ‘rate tarting’ (that’s shopping around for a better rate), you can have your loyalty rewarded. Understand your spending Before you storm into your bank or phone your…

‘Going guarantor’ are two dangerous little words. “Nan, will you go guarantor on my car? You don’t have to pay any money.” Stop right there. Going guarantor can be a great way to help others out. But it’s way more risky than most people think. Read this article before you say yes or no. The worst-case scenario is that the lender comes after you for the money. Parents have lost their homes from going guarantor and families have been torn…

There’s no magic in becoming financially fit. But Credit Simple’s Four Pillars of Wealth approach can help you get there. Going from debt to building wealth is easier than you might think. We guarantee there are people around you earning no more than you do who are well on their way to wealth. Here’s how to become one of them: Pillar one: spend less Do you know your needs from your wants? It’s only you who suffers if you’re not…

Getting your first rental is a rite of passage into the big wide world. You’ll have lots of fun times nesting in your own space. But there’s a lot to learn to make it a great experience. 1. Be prepared to wear out your shoe leather. You may need to sign up with several local rental agencies and keep a hawk eye out online until you find the one – and get accepted. Before signing the tenancy agreement ask yourself:…